Republican Steve Hilton advances to November governor's election
CalMatters • • general
Key Points:
- Republican Steve Hilton, a British American former Fox News host, won about 25% of the vote in California's June 2 primary and will face Democrat Xavier Becerra in the November gubernatorial election.
- Hilton promises to cut spending, slash regulations, eliminate income tax on the first $100,000 of earnings, and reduce state spending by a third if elected, positioning himself as a challenger to 16 years of Democratic control.
- Billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, who spent $215 million on his campaign, conceded and endorsed Becerra, warning against Hilton, whom he called "Trump’s handpicked candidate."
- Despite Hilton’s early lead and Trump’s endorsement, he faces significant challenges due to California’s Democratic supermajority and the state's strong disapproval of Trump.
- Hilton’s background includes work with the British Conservative Party, involvement in UK politics, and hosting a Fox News show; he moved to Silicon Valley in 2012 before entering California politics.